So my brother in law is making a homebrew

[crondog]

My brother-in-law is making a homebrew but there is a thick foam at the top that smells kind of funny is there any reason that should happen

 

[crondog]

 

[Hello]

Kind of looks like an infection. It smells off? How so? How does it taste?

 

[crondog]

Kind of looks like an infection. It smells off? How so? How does it taste?

he says it smells a little musky

 

[feinbera]

...is there any reason that should happen

Because your yeast is furiously reproducing, consuming sugars, and exuding carbon dioxide, which results in a foamy slurry of yeast cells and CO2 bubbles called "krausen".

Unless you saw krausen form, then drop, then saw a second layer of gunk/bubbles form at least a couple weeks in, your beer is doing exactly what it's supposed to. It's not infected yet... but it will be if you keep popping the top to look at it!

Seriously, unless your fermentation doesn't start after 48-72 hours, that lid should stay closed for at least two weeks while the yeasties do their work.

 

[crondog]

Because your yeast is furiously reproducing, consuming sugars, and exuding carbon dioxide, which results in a foamy slurry of yeast cells and CO2 bubbles called "krausen". Unless you saw krausen form, then drop, then saw a second layer of gunk/bubbles form at least a couple weeks in, your beer is doing exactly what it's supposed to. It's not infected yet... but it will be if you keep popping the top to look at it! Seriously, unless your fermentation doesn't start after 48-72 hours, that lid should stay closed for at least two weeks while the yeasties do their work.

thanks for the info will pass it on

 

[Hello]

Ah, I was thinking this was your finished product. Follow feinbera's advice.